The Global Expat Hub
Italy
Unbeatable lifestyle and a 7% flat tax for retirees in the south, with the slowest bureaucracy in the set.
Your plan for Italy checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Italy
Costs and character vary significantly within Italy. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Eternal city with unmatched history, food and the largest expat community
Fashion, finance and Northern Italian efficiency — Italy's most international city
Renaissance art, rolling hills and Tuscan wine — smaller and more manageable
Italy's most affordable region — the 7% flat-tax scheme applies here, generous expat incentive grants in smaller towns, and some of the best food and coastline in the Mediterranean
Perfect beaches, low crime and one of the world's Blue Zones — Sardinians live longer on average than almost anywhere. Rents among the lowest in Western Europe
Italy by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Mediterranean on the coasts and south; hot dry summers, mild winters. The north has cold foggy winters and humid summers.
Mean temperatures for Rome.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 800 mm (31 in) a year.
Snow Alps and Apennines; rare in Rome and the south.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationNormattiva (official legislation) ↗
OverviewLaw of Italy on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax IMU ~0.4–1.06% on second homes; primary home exempt.
Local & regional income tax Regional 1.2–3.3% + municipal 0–0.8% on top of national.
🎓 University
Near-free; public $1–4k/yr income-scaled, same for non-EU.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $12/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners settling in southern towns under 20k population, 10 years
- €1 homes in dozens of depopulating villages
- Impatriate regime: 50% of income tax-free for 5 years
- Flat €200k tax for new residents on foreign income
- Digital Nomad visa
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Italy embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Italy faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Italy: remote work you can do from Rome, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Italy and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Italy safe for expats?
Italy scores 68 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub. It is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Petty theft in tourist areas and major cities is the main concern for expats.
How much does it cost to live in Italy?
An affordable lifestyle in Italy costs around $1,600 to $2,400 per month. Southern Italy and smaller towns are significantly cheaper than Rome or Milan.
Can Americans get residency in Italy?
Yes. Italy offers an elective residency visa for those with sufficient passive income, typically around $31,000 per year. Italy also has a flat tax regime attracting high-net-worth individuals.
What is the best region in Italy for expats?
Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como are popular for lifestyle. Sicily and Puglia offer affordability. Rome has the largest expat community and the most international infrastructure.